Public Lands:
federal land; emergency access

HB2541 federal land; emergency access was another unconstitutional measure that would have resulted in more lawsuits and done nothing to solve any problems. The bill said the state or local government could access federal land in an “emergency” with whatever equipment they deemed necessary. This was a thinly veiled attempt to get heavy equipment into wilderness and other sensitive lands under the guise of an "emergency." Plus, as the Governor indicated, there are already ways to access land in true emergencies.

Passing this bill would not have made people safer or healthier, or better protected lands and property, but it would have put at risk important public lands, wildlife, cultural sites, and native plants. We have already had state agencies bulldoze cultural sites, including burial areas, because they did not get proper clearance. This would exacerbate that.

Status

05/05/2014 - Governor Brewer vetoed it!

Action Needed

You can contact Governor Brewer by calling her at (602) 542-4331 or toll free at 1-(800) 253-0883.